I'm a Luxury Personal Shopper—5 Cult Items I'm Considering Investing in This Year
As a stylist and luxury shopper, I stay ahead of the curve by being at the forefront of every collection for my clients. Our team is privileged to gain early insider access, getting up close and personal with those exceptionally unique styles before they hit the market. We ensure our clients are well-informed about upcoming trends and guide them on the best investments. To give you a glimpse into this year's standout selections, I've curated a brief overview of our five key recommendations—fabulous pieces that are truly worth the price tag. We consider what's trending but also focus on pieces with timeless appeal, versatility, practicality and a touch of creativity.
Scroll on to discover the five luxury items I predict will be big this year and beyond.
Five Luxury Items to Invest in This Year
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1. Alaïa Le Teckel Bag
Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most impactful, which is particularly evident in the newest addition to Alaïa's bag collection. Showcased against the picturesque backdrop of the Seine bridge in Paris during the S/S 24 show, the Le Teckel bag has swiftly secured a coveted spot on everyone's wish list. Undoubtedly, it stands as our favourite accessory of the moment, encapsulating the trend towards refined fashion and establishing the style narrative for 2024.
The uniquely elongated and boxy rectangular shape features sleek and extra-long shoulder straps. It's minimalist, modern and cool, just like every Alaïa piece. It’s named after the French word for Dachsund—a playful reference to the beloved tiny yet elongated dog breed. Creative director Pieter Mulier expresses his love for extremes, aiming to create pieces that are "feminine" yet different for chic bourgeois women, which has materialised into this unique accessory.
Crafted from textured leather and available in a variety of neutral colours including striking red, this handbag also comes in a studded version for those seeking to add extra character to their ensemble. The practical design makes it an ideal companion for daytime and evening affairs, and most importantly, it boasts plenty of space to fit your essentials. For the ultimate Alaïa look, wear yours positioned high and upright on your shoulder. Or make like model Natasha Poly, who opted to carry hers as a clutch on the runway, elegantly twisting and wrapping the straps around her hand.
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2. Prada Satin Mules
Some of the best heels trending for the S/S 24 season are barely heels at all. We’ve seen a strong return of the kitten heel across numerous collections—Miu Miu, Valentino, Gucci, Dior and more. Yet Prada takes the lead with its latest kitten mule, consistently influencing significant shoe trends that will shape fashion future. I have been dreaming of these satin mules since they graced the runway last September at Milan Fashion Week.
In an elegant satin, they feature a square toe and a rectangular, patent heel—in fact, the iconic geometric Prada triangle logo served as the muse for the heel design. These shoes will elevate your look with a distinctive and modern flair, and there is no denying that they will become the standout It shoe this season. In vibrant pops of colour and defined by modern lines and architectural volumes, this is my absolute favourite shoe for spring.
3. Khaite Leather Jacket
The fashion world is welcoming back the beloved styles of the '90s, ushering in the resurgence of some of those classic wardrobe staples with a refined and sleek aesthetic. What better embodiment of the decade than the leather jacket? Think back to the iconic matching Gucci ensembles of the Beckhams or the ever-stylish coordination between Kate Moss and Johnny Depp. This season though, designers are infusing a more sophisticated touch into the leather jacket. A particular favourite of mine is from Khaite, whose array of leather outerwear pieces evokes an escape into the New York night.
Choose the style that suits you best—biker, blazer or buttoned, Khaite has the perfect options. Personally, I gravitate towards the Jacobson blazer—a sleek, strong-shouldered jacket in textured lambskin with elongated peak lapels and oversized flap pockets. The padded shoulders give the longline shape a nice structure. It’s tailored, and I love it with a chunky, oversized sweater and straight-leg jeans. It will elevate any look you choose to wear it with.
4. Barrel Jeans
Trending for some time now and coined as the official denim shape for 2024, barrel-leg jeans serve as a contemporary update to baggy styles. This voluminous shape has stirred the industry with its unique design, embracing the hips in a pronounced, curved fashion. Adopted by numerous style icons, the shape effortlessly exudes a laid-back coolness reminiscent of baggier fits around the thighs before gracefully tapering off towards the ankles.
Personally, I love the more extreme styles by Alaïa, available in a variety of denim washes. I wear mine with a simple white tee or lightweight knit with a heel to balance the proportions. For subtler volume, consider iterations by Citizens of Humanity, Frame and Lemaire.
5. Jacquemus Pablo Top and Castagna Dress
We are seeing sheer, draped pieces as a key trend across numerous collections, with delicate, diaphanous looks appearing to be spun around the body, capturing a feeling of lightness and grace. Jacquemus portrayed this perfectly in its S/S 24 collection titled Les Sculptures. The spotlight was on the Castagna dress during the show (as well as on Kylie Jenner, who graced the front row in the vibrant red silhouette). Draping was a focal point across a variety of pieces, including the Castagna as well as the Pablo top, both crafted from crepe to elegantly wrap the shoulders for a rounded effect, evoking traces of Old Hollywood glamour.
Jacquemus is recognised for skillfully integrating both traditional and unconventional materials, blending natural fibers with cutting-edge textiles. This fusion gives rise to captivating textures and speaks to the brand's dedication to eco-friendly and innovative design. Exemplifying this contemporary vision of quiet luxury, the Castagna dress and Pablo top showcase unconventional tailoring, transforming them into elevated and distinctive pieces. Both are timelessly elegant, lightweight and comfortable, and would look incredible simply paired with denim or leather bottoms.
If you are looking for something in particular, I and my team would be delighted to hear from you via @withisabelbazzani or isabelbazzani.com